DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENT FIGURES FOR SOUTH LANARKSHIRE REVEALED

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has highlighted the millions that have been spent on mitigating UK Government welfare cuts after new figures revealed that a total of £3.1 million was paid to people in South Lanarkshire under the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme.

The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme, which is administered by local authorities on behalf of the Scottish Government, provides financial assistance towards housing costs for those claiming housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

In South Lanarkshire, 5,985 people in receipt of housing benefit or universal credit were given additional assistance towards housing costs in the six months between April and September 2018 – saving people £519 each on average.

It is estimated that a massive £2.9 million will be allocated to South Lanarkshire Council to be spent solely on mitigating the Tories hated Bedroom Tax for the year 2018/2019.

Between April 2018 and September 2018, local Authorities in Scotland made a total 100,635 awards under the DHP Scheme, with a total value of £56.9 million and an average award of £565.

Commenting, SNP MSP Clare Haughey said:

“These figures provide further evidence of the cost of protecting people from the very worst impacts of UK Government welfare reform, and make clear that this Scottish Government will always stand up for a fairer welfare system which treats people with respect and dignity.

“It shouldn’t fall to the Scottish Government to mitigate the impact of damaging UK Government policies like the bedroom tax – but we know that providing a lifeline for families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet is the right thing to do.

“Instead of being left trying to convince an uncaring Westminster government to recognise just how wrong their welfare cuts are, the Scottish Parliament should be making all decisions on tax and social security for ourselves.”